Removing 77 Bronco top

[BMBlauvelt]

OK, I have had my 77 Bronco Ranger since 1988, but have never had the stock steel top off it (except when the body shop took it off to repaint it a few years ago). I am getting rain leaking where the top meets the windshield frame on the passenger side. I also have a gap between the tailgate and the liftgate that lets a lot of water in when it is being washed.

I think I may have a weatherstripping problem, up front, and perhaps the gap in the back is caused by non-stock weatherstripping that is too thick? Any ideas?

I have purchased a new set of stock weatherstrip gaskets for the top to the quarter panels and the top to the windshield frame up front. Now I need to get the top off. The last time I took a top off an early Bronco was back in high school (~1973), when my brother and I took the top off our 72 Bronco. However, I don't remember any of the details and cannot find any information in the original owners manual or any of the early Bronco repair manuals I have.

Can anyone help me with the details? I have electric wipers, so I presume I have to start with taking off the visors and wiper housing up front. I also have rear quater trim panels that cover up the bolts, and don't want to damage them; how do I get to the rear bolts? I also seem to remember there is a hidden bolt somewhere in the back by the tailgate that bolts into a piece of the top that goes down in to the rear quarter panel corners.

Help please! Thanks!!

 

[Bronc76]

Its been awhile but I started like you said with taking visors and housing off and unplugging the map light. there are bolts across the top in front. Seven bolts across the back on each side after the trim panels come off. There are two metal strips that run vertical along the side of tailgate, (one on each side) that holds the weatherstripping, the two bolts on top of each side have to come off.

 

[jersey mike]

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